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Despite the short downpour before opening ceremonies, a patriotic sense was still in the air by attendees, as smiles, laughs and thankfulness filled the atmosphere.

“Happy Birthday USA,” said Lexington Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Alley. “(We) thank everybody for being here today for this wonderful celebration. I hope you enjoy the festivities despite the rain. I'm so glad you could be here for all the festivities today. Enjoy yourselves.”

Alley read a proclamation from the city that highlighted the event. Allison Crowell sang the national anthem, followed by a presentation of the colors from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3074 that kicked off the event.

“Welcome to the 17th Annual Fantastic Fourth of July celebration,” said Bruce Davis, director of the city parks and recreation department. “Ladies and gentleman we're going to have a lot of fun tonight. Get ready to rock and roll. Thank you for being here.”

For some, this was their first time experiencing the red, white and blue fun. Nicole Tucker came with her husband, Josh, and three children — Dylan, 7, Madison, 1, Brookly, six months. In the past the family has attended the fireworks show at High Rock Lake. Fireworks for Friends of High Rock Lake will have the fireworks launch from Top of the Rock on Abbotts Creek between 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday.

Tucker said Dylan was anxious to see fireworks so the family decided to come to the park.

“It's a good family event,” Tucker said. “I can't believe I have not been here before. I will definitely come back.”

The City of Lexington Parks and Recreation Department has hosted the celebration for the past 17 years as a gift to residents. Music for the evening was provided by Ken Davis and the High Rock Players.

Also, the Lexington Booster Club sold food and beverages, with proceeds going to the parks and recreation youth athletic program.

“It's nice,” said Jenn Mitchell, of Pennsylvania, who came with local family. “There's nice entertainment and rides. I love the inflatables. It's good for the family.”

Many like the event because of the free rides, inflatables and amusements at the park. The highlight of the event is the fireworks show at the end that features big booms and lots of spectrum lights. Jeff Hale with Hale Artificer Fireworks of Lexington provided the show.

“It's free and the fireworks are pretty good,” said Mellisa Underwood.

Underwood came to the park with her family. This was her third time attending the festivities. She figured it would rain, but they still decided to come to the event.

“It keeps the kids busy. They like it. It's not too far away from where we live,” she said.

Dennis Hutchins came to the park with his finance, Deborah McCraly and granddaughter, Arianna Csiszer. This was their first time attending. Hutchins was not surprised by the weather.

“It (has) rained everyday,” he said. “It's been raining a lot. I counted on it raining at sometime today.”

Hutchins, dressed in a patriotic flag shirt, encouraged others to reflect on the true meaning behind the holiday. He noted his house is decorated with flags.

“I hope everybody has a happy and safe Fourth,” he said.

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p class="bold allcaps">By Deneesha Edwards The Dispatch</p>
<p>Thousands braved the wet weather that put only a slight dampness to the start of the City of Lexington's Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Finch Park Thursday evening.</p><p>Despite the short downpour before opening ceremonies, a patriotic sense was still in the air by attendees, as smiles, laughs and thankfulness filled the atmosphere.</p><p> “Happy Birthday USA,” said Lexington Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Alley. “(We) thank everybody for being here today for this wonderful celebration. I hope you enjoy the festivities despite the rain. I'm so glad you could be here for all the festivities today. Enjoy yourselves.” </p><p>Alley read a proclamation from the city that highlighted the event. Allison Crowell sang the national anthem, followed by a presentation of the colors from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3074 that kicked off the event.</p><p>“Welcome to the 17th Annual Fantastic Fourth of July celebration,” said Bruce Davis, director of the city parks and recreation department. “Ladies and gentleman we're going to have a lot of fun tonight. Get ready to rock and roll. Thank you for being here.”</p><p>For some, this was their first time experiencing the red, white and blue fun. Nicole Tucker came with her husband, Josh, and three children — Dylan, 7, Madison, 1, Brookly, six months. In the past the family has attended the fireworks show at High Rock Lake. Fireworks for Friends of High Rock Lake will have the fireworks launch from Top of the Rock on Abbotts Creek between 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday.</p><p>Tucker said Dylan was anxious to see fireworks so the family decided to come to the park.</p><p>“It's a good family event,” Tucker said. “I can't believe I have not been here before. I will definitely come back.”</p><p>The City of Lexington Parks and Recreation Department has hosted the celebration for the past 17 years as a gift to residents. Music for the evening was provided by Ken Davis and the High Rock Players.</p><p>Also, the Lexington Booster Club sold food and beverages, with proceeds going to the parks and recreation youth athletic program.</p><p>“It's nice,” said Jenn Mitchell, of Pennsylvania, who came with local family. “There's nice entertainment and rides. I love the inflatables. It's good for the family.”</p><p>Many like the event because of the free rides, inflatables and amusements at the park. The highlight of the event is the fireworks show at the end that features big booms and lots of spectrum lights. Jeff Hale with Hale Artificer Fireworks of Lexington provided the show.</p><p>“It's free and the fireworks are pretty good,” said Mellisa Underwood.</p><p>Underwood came to the park with her family. This was her third time attending the festivities. She figured it would rain, but they still decided to come to the event.</p><p>“It keeps the kids busy. They like it. It's not too far away from where we live,” she said.</p><p>Dennis Hutchins came to the park with his finance, Deborah McCraly and granddaughter, Arianna Csiszer. This was their first time attending. Hutchins was not surprised by the weather. </p><p>“It (has) rained everyday,” he said. “It's been raining a lot. I counted on it raining at sometime today.”</p><p>Hutchins, dressed in a patriotic flag shirt, encouraged others to reflect on the true meaning behind the holiday. He noted his house is decorated with flags.</p><p>“I hope everybody has a happy and safe Fourth,” he said.</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>